The 8 Best Tried and Tested Treadmills for Beginners of 2024

If you’re new to treadmill training, strap on your running shoes because you’re headed for a world of benefits. Aerobic exercise can support weight loss and heart health, help manage diabetes, and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. (1) As a beginner, it’s paramount to prioritize machines that are known for being user-friendly and reliable. However, there’s a world of possibilities out there, from the best treadmills with luxury offerings to more budget, utilitarian machines for walking and light jogging. 

The landscape of available treadmills is vast. Your internet search is likely confusing and overwhelming. With so many options and so many voices telling you which choice is right, making your selection can be a daunting task. We’re here to help — our team of testers has run, walked, sprinted, and jogged on more than 40 treadmills. We’ve whittled down the options to what we believe are the 8 best treadmills for beginners, no matter your budget, space, or goals.

The 8 Best Treadmills for Beginners of 2024

• Best Treadmill for Beginners Overall: Sole F63 
• Best Cushioned Treadmill for Beginners: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
• Best Beginner Treadmill for Running: Horizon T101
• Best Manual Treadmill for Beginners: TrueForm Trainer 
• Best Under-Desk Treadmill for Beginners: Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill 
• Best Budget Treadmill for Beginners: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400
• Best Compact Treadmill for Beginners: WalkingPad P1
• Best Treadmill with Classes for Beginners: Peloton Tread

How We Tested and Chose the Best Treadmills for Beginners

Our roster here at BarBend is filled with former D1 athletes, certified personal trainers, and marathon runners who have spent countless hours logging miles on the best high-end treadmills and popular budget models. We’ve built each machine out of the box, pushed each treadmill to its limit, and taken note of features that we loved or hated. 

We tested over 40 treadmills and narrowed our list of the best treadmills for beginners down to eight picks by scoring each machine from 1 (not great) to 5 (we love it) in categories such as durability, tech capabilities, workout experience, and more. Here are some of the key factors we considered when making our top choices. 

Price

We wanted to be sure there were options on our list no matter your budget. When considering lower-priced treadmills, we focused on finding durable products with footprints suited for smaller living spaces. As the price increased, we made sure that value increased as well. That meant improved motor power, Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen displays, cutting-edge tech, and dynamic programming.

Intended Use

When buying a treadmill, it’s important to know whether you want it for running, walking, or a combination of both. Some of our choices are dedicated to one or the other, while others can support both modalities of training. Beginners will want a dependable machine, so we made sure to note motor strength and treadmill belt size. Those looking to run on their treadmill will want to look at tread belts with at least a 55-inch running surface, though we recommend 60 inches to accommodate longer strides. 

Those wanting to log some serious mileage running will also want to keep their eyes on motor size. We recommend CHP, DC, or AC motors for those wanting to spend more time on their machines and at a faster pace. HP motors, meanwhile, are more supportive for walking, and maybe some light jogging.

[Related: The Best Budget Treadmills for Streaming, Walking, and More.]

Programming

Beginners may need a little structure to get going, and many of the treadmills on our list come with preset programs that can help you burn calories and set goals. Once your legs are feeling nice and limber, you can opt for more advanced programs, like interval training, hill climbs, and fat-burning sessions. 

More high-end treadmills may offer you access to dynamic programming via fitness apps like iFIT or Peloton, each of which come packed with trainer-led cardio, strength, and mobility classes. It’s worth noting, however, that these apps tack an additional monthly subscription fee — typically between $20 and $50 — on top of the cost of the machine, so you’ll want to budget accordingly. 

While many of the treadmills we chose have preset workouts or interactive programming, we also included some more utilitarian options where you can just step onto the belt and get moving. 

Best Treadmill for Beginners Overall: Sole Fitness F63

If you’re new to the world of treadmills, consider the Sole Fitness F63. With a 15 percent incline and a max speed of 12 miles per hour, it’s ideal for beginners who want to engage in everything from endurance runs to HIIT and LISS training. The steel frame folds up to save space and a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor provides peace of mind for your purchase. Setup, adjustability, customizations, and value all scored a 4.5 out of 5.

[Related: HIIT Vs. LISS — Which Type of Cardio Is Better?]

For $1,099.99, you’re getting a treadmill with impressive speed and incline capabilities at a cost that’s $1,000 to $2,000 cheaper than many of its competitors. “This is half as much in cost compared to other high-end treadmills, so I was impressed at the quality,” said Kate Meier, a certified personal trainer and BarBend editorial staff member. “The incline is smooth. And the motor isn’t too loud when I’m picking up speed.” Workout experience scored a 4.5 out of 5. 

The F63 doesn’t provide interactive programming or a touchscreen, but it does come with 9 built-in workout programs. There are five preset profiles— hill, fat burn, cardio, strength, and interval — two user profiles, and two heart rate programs that work with the pulse sensors and the chest strap heart rate monitor that comes with your purchase. 

There’s also a tablet holder and Bluetooth speakers so you can stream treadmill workouts from your own device (or catch up on your Netflix shows). Be sure to also check out Sole+, a free app with cardio workouts to aid in your training.

Certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto also mentioned, “People who intend to run or sprint on their treadmill should look for a running deck of at least 60 inches in length.” So, the 22-inch by 60-inch running deck in this puppy provides.

“There was some shaking when I took the incline to the highest level,” Meier added. “Also, this machine is heavy, but moving it around is manageable.” The foldable steel frame transforms from 77 inches long down to 50 inches. Its four transport wheels, two more than the average we’ve seen, allow for easy storage. Hydraulic-assisted lowering helps you unfold your treadmill, so it doesn’t just slam against your floor. Footprint, portability, and durability scored a 4 out of 5.

Read our full Sole F63 Treadmill Review.

Best Cushioned Treadmill for Beginners: NordicTrack Commercial 1750

If you’re looking for a tread with cushioning to protect your joints from impact, the NordicTrack 1750 takes the cake. Runners Flex technology is built into the running deck, allowing you to choose between a harder surface to simulate road racing or a more cushioned surface to protect your joints.

[Related: The 6 Best Treadmills for Bad Knees of 2024.]

With NordicTrack’s Runners Flex technology, users can choose the amount of shock absorption they want by simply turning a knob on the base of the treadmill. This was our experience when we tested, but it’s worth noting that NordicTrack has played around with this feature and some newer models have had Runners Flex cushioning set permanently. 

You’re also getting a 3.5 CHP motor — stronger than the HP motors we’ve seen at this price range — that’ll power the -3 to 12 percent incline and top speed of 12 miles per hour. You’re also getting a roomy 60-inch deck and a 14-inch HD touchscreen. Durability, customizations, and workout experience all scored a perfect 5 out of 5. 

Kate Meier, a certified personal trainer and BarBend editorial member, noted, “This is a top-of-the-line machine with all of the comfort and tech capabilities you’d find on the best treadmills on the market.”

The machine is compatible with iFIT, a fitness app that gives you access to thousands of scenic on-demand classes for running and hiking. Meier thinks this is key to this machine’s appeal. “iFIT is what makes this treadmill worth the price,” she said. “Without an iFIT subscription, the machine isn’t really worth it.” That subscription costs $39 a month, so keep that added fee in mind if you opt for this treadmill.

At 80 inches long and 38 inches wide, the Commercial 1750 is one of the larger treadmills at this price range, measuring roughly 4 inches longer and wider than many of the machines we’ve tested. When assessing the product for BarBend, certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto noted, “The main drawback for this machine is its footprint… so definitely ensure your space can fit it.” 

Read our full Nordictrack 1750 Treadmill Review.

Best Beginner Treadmill for Walking: Horizon T101

“The health benefits of walking are numerous and profound,” says certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto. In fact, adding more steps can improve cardiovascular health, sleep, and mental well-being. (2) The Horizon Fitness T101 treadmill provides a 55-inch walking deck and up to a 10 percent incline, so you’ve got the ability to take your walking workouts to new heights. Setup scored a perfect 5 out of 5, with value coming in close behind with a 4.5 out of 5.

While a 2.5 HP is less powerful than the CHP motors we tend to recommend, it’s perfectly suitable for walking workouts. It also provides a smooth transition when adjusting incline and speed. Plus, the lifetime motor and frame warranty should put your mind at ease when considering the longevity of your purchase. 

The 3-zone cushioned deck helps support both parts of your gait, providing a sturdy push-off and a cushioned landing. “One of the things that puts this treadmill ahead of others in this price range is the deck cushioning system,” said our tester, a certified personal trainer.

At $649, don’t expect much in the way of dynamic programming or tech capabilities, both of which scored a 3 out of 5 and a 2 out of 5, respectively. “There’s no touchscreen or other smart features,” said our tester, “You’ll only get a few programs through the LCD display.” 

However, we did appreciate the EasyDial controls on the handrails, which let you make quick adjustments to your speed and incline with the spin of a knob.

Setup scored a perfect 5 out of 5 with our tester. “This has got to be the easiest treadmill I’ve ever had to set up,” they said, “I just had to attach the uprights and that was basically it.” The lightweight nature of this machine is partially due to the aluminum construction, a material that’s commonly used at this price point but less durable than the steel frames we’ve come across.

Read our full Horizon T101 Review.

Best Manual Treadmill for Beginners: TrueForm Trainer

The best curved treadmills are designed to help improve running form, forcing the runner to push off their forefoot to increase speed and thus creating a more mechanically efficient gait. (3) The TrueForm Trainer comes in at just under $3,000 — nearly 60 percent less expensive than the TrueForm Runner — giving a beginner the ability to train on a treadmill that can help improve their form without depleting their bank account. Workout experience, customizations, and setup all scored a 4 out of 5, while ergonomics scored a 4.25 out of 5.

The ability to speed up and slow down in just a few footsteps is what makes this such a great tool for beginners. “You can go from sprinting to walking super quickly,” said our tester. Since this is a non-motorized treadmill, you set the pace. Beginners may also appreciate the way a manual treadmill can activate the glutes and quads in ways a traditional treadmills can’t. (4)

With a 64-inch by 31-inch footprint, this treadmill is more compact than the average manual treadmill, which tends to be around 70 inches long and up to 36 inches wide. You’ll also get a 2.5-inch curve, one of the shallowest options for curved manual treadmills on the market. Our tester noted, “Compared to other manual treadmills, this model is easier for beginners to run on because of its shallow curve and lighter tread, which is easier to push.” Ergonomics scored a 4.25 out of 5.

Even though this is one of the least expensive manual treadmills, it’s still a pricey purchase at $2,995. Plus, the cost doesn’t include many of the standout features we’ve seen on other high-end machines. There are no water bottles or phone holders, nor is there a touchscreen for streaming dynamic programming. “The LCD monitor is of poor quality and provides few metrics,” said our tester. Tech capabilities scored a 2 out of 5.

Best Under-Desk Treadmill for Beginners: Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill

The GoPlus 2-in-1 Treadmill is our pick for the best under-desk treadmill for beginners, with a slim footprint that can fit under most standing desks and an affordable $299 price tag. Certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto noted, “Under-desk treadmills allow people to add more movement into their days without taking time away from their job.”  Value scored 4.25 out of 5, with workout experience, and footprint and portability, scoring a 4 out of 5.

The GoPlus 2-in-1 is a hybrid machine that can function as both a traditional treadmill and an under-desk unit. When the handles are up, users can reach a max speed of 7.5 miles per hour. When the handles are down, the max speed lowers to 2.5 miles per hour, but the height shrinks from 44.5 inches to just 5 inches. “It’s nice and small and fits under a desk easily,” said our tester, who rated this treadmill’s footprint a 4 out of 5.

“It’s a simple device, but it works. I like to use it a few hours a day while I’m getting some work done on my laptop,” said our tester, who rated their workout experience a 4 out of 5. They also liked the included remote control, which made it easy to adjust the speed when it’s being used under desks. This functionality and ease of use make it a great option for those new to walking while they work.

For $299.99, it’s no surprise that durability isn’t one of its strengths. Our tester scored durability a 2.5 out of 5. “This is a budget purchase, and the 2.25 motor isn’t very strong. It struggled to start the belt when I was standing on the deck, so users may want to try starting the equipment before stepping on,” they said. 

They added, “There aren’t a ton of tech capabilities like with other treadmills I’ve tried, plus the tracking metrics from the LCD screen don’t feel reliable. But there’s value to this purchase for someone looking to walk while they work at an affordable price point.” Value scored a 4.25 out of 5.

Best Budget Treadmill for Beginners: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400

We love scoring a deal on the best budget home gym equipment, and the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400 is a steal at $384.99. For nearly half the price of many comparable machines, the SF-T4400 delivers a max speed of 9 miles per hour and 3 levels of manual incline. Footprint and portability scored a perfect 5 out of 5, with workout experience, delivery and setup, and customer reviews all scoring a 4 out of 5 or higher.

This folding treadmill comes with a digital monitor, device holder, quick access buttons to adjust your speed, and a soft drop hydraulic safety feature for hands-free unfolding. When folded, the 62-inch length shrinks in size to 36 inches, saving you 26 inches of floor space. “It folds flat and the soft drop feature is really good, I didn’t have to worry about the machine slamming against my floor,” said our tester. 

We wouldn’t recommend this treadmill for runners or sprinters, though, as the 49-inch deck is between 6 and 11 inches shorter than what we tend to recommend for running treadmills. “This isn’t something for an advanced racer, but it’s perfect if you want to remain active and burn some calories,” said our tester. 

The 2.2 HP motor isn’t going to give you a ton of power, especially compared to the 3 HP, CHP, or even AC or DC motors we like to recommend for more advanced machines. “This treadmill is much more suited for beginners because of the limited 2.2 HP motor,” said our tester. 

It is impressive, however, to get a 4.3 percent incline at this price point. It’s worth noting, though, that adjustments must be made manually when you’re off the treadmill. For this reason, both adjustability and customizations scored a 3.5 out of 5.

Best Compact Treadmill for Beginners: WalkingPad P1

If you’re looking to squeeze some cardio into your work day, the WalkingPad P1 provides a small footprint and a nice-sized walking deck so you can get in your steps while sending emails. This treadmill’s crowning feature is its folding capability. Most folding treadmills fold upright, but this unit folds in half, reducing the length from 56.37 to 32.5 inches. Delivery and setup scored a perfect 5 out of 5, footprint and portability scored a 4.5 out of 5, and workout experience scored a 4 out of 5.

This treadmill is 5 inches tall and 21 inches wide — about 10 to 20 inches slimmer than standard treadmills — making it easy to slide under standing desks. Certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto noted, “A good walking treadmill has speeds up to at least 4 miles per hour [and] a deck with a minimum 48-inch [length].” This machine’s 47.24-inch belt deck and 3.75 miles-per-hour max is a hair below our experts’ recommendation, but a bit of compromise is expected with space-saving machines. 

“I unfold this treadmill a handful of days a week to walk for 15 to 30 minutes, and I haven’t had any problems,” our tester, a certified personal trainer, mentioned. Due to this folding feature, transport wheels, and comparatively light 62-pound weight, footprint and portability scored a 4.5 out of 5.

This foldable treadmill has apartment dwellers in mind, knowing that when users are tight on space and looking for the best compact exercise equipment, they won’t necessarily want cumbersome uprights, handlebars, or a big center console. Instead of traditional controls, the foot speed control feature allows users to increase or decrease their speed based on where they walk on the belt. “If you walk in the center, you’ll maintain your speed. Moving to the front will increase your pace and moving back slows you down,” explained our tester. 

A remote can also control your speed, or you can download the KS Fit app to your mobile device to adjust speed and track training metrics. Do note, though, that there’s no digital display or buttons to change your speed on the actual treadmill. Tech capabilities scored a 3 out of 5. 

Best Treadmill with Classes for Beginners: Peloton Tread

There’s perhaps no better way to start a running routine than with beginner classes led by charismatic coaches, and it’s here that the Peloton Tread outshines the rest. With Peloton’s acclaimed app, you get access to thousands of on-demand classes, which include Beginner Run and Advanced Beginner Run sessions to help ease users into a new habit. The rub? It’ll cost you $44 a month for the app — higher than the $20 to $40 average — and that’s on top of the Tread’s $2,995 price tag. 

The Tread is an impressive machine, though. It has a large 59-inch running belt, a 12.5 percent incline, a max speed of 12 miles per hour, and a reliable 3 HP DC motor. 

Peloton rose to fame primarily due to its assortment of classes. From progression runs to HIIT sessions, there’s a modality to fit your goal no matter your level. You’ll also find that Peloton provides some of the best and widest assortment of bops and tunes to fuel your workout, from 90s hip-hop and rock to modern pop and even classical music. 

We’re also big fans of the coaches. I personally enjoy Jess Sims, who brings an upbeat energy, and Matt Wilpers, who shares cues while keeping the vibe relaxed. Instruction scored a 5 out of 5 with our tester. “As a beginner, I loved how easy the workouts were to follow. The instructors usually prepped me on what was coming up and what the whole workout would look like,” they said. 

Contributing to the studio-like experience are the immersive 23.8-inch HD touchscreen, front-facing stereo speakers, and rear-facing woofers. Plus, the auto-adjust feature can control your speed and incline based on your coach’s cues.

A common complaint amongst users, and something we’re equally not impressed with, is the 5-year frame warranty. We commonly see 15-year-to-life warranties on treadmills in this price range. That said, our tester stands by the Peloton Tread: “For those seeking interactive programming and awesome classes, this is a great machine and a good investment.”

[Related: Peloton vs. NordicTrack — How Do These Fitness Companies Compare?]

Benefits of Treadmills for Beginners

Bringing a treadmill into your home when you’re a novice in the realm of running or walking training offers a plethora of advantages. Among them are the sheer convenience it provides, the controlled environment it affords, and the ability to closely monitor your progress. 

Health Benefits

Starting a workout routine on a treadmill, whether you’re working on increasing your mile pace or getting your steps in while you work from home, can improve your health. Research has highlighted the benefits of cardio exercise to improve cardiovascular health, aid in weight management, increase bone density, and support mental health. (1)

Additionally, many running decks provide cushioning that you won’t find on streets or trails, providing a lower-impact option that may help reduce stress on joints.

Safer Workout

Treadmills provide a safer alternative to running or walking in the great outdoors, especially for beginners who are new to navigating their routes or are inexperienced in dealing with busy roadways. You’re also getting the bonus of a running path that’s much more cushioned and forgiving than outdoor terrain, providing knees and joints some extra support as the pace quickens.

Programming

The majority of treadmills include preset programs or dynamic programming to help ease beginners into a routine. Budget-priced machines will often lack connected programming while providing basic built-in programs designed to help you burn calories, practice intervals, and spike your heart rate. 

High-end machines will often offer access to app-integrated training, like Peloton or iFIT, which give users coach-led interactive training. However, this upscale programming often comes with a monthly subscription fee in the range of $20 to $44.

[Related: What is Cardio? How to Get Started (+ Best Types of Exercise for Beginners).]

How Much Do Treadmills for Beginners Cost?

Treadmills, much like people, come in all shapes, sizes, and costs. Our roundup features a spread of machines from $300 up to $2,995. The budget options provide a more compact footprint, while higher-quality treadmills allow for more advanced technology, dynamic programming, and more robust warranties. 

Treadmills can cost as low as $299 or upwards of $4,000. No matter your budget, there’s a treadmill for you. Broadly speaking, the average cost of a treadmill for running ranges from around $1,200 to $2,500. There are budget running treadmills available, but most options under $800 are best suited for walking and jogging workouts. 

What to Consider Before Buying a Treadmill for Beginners

While treadmills all have a similar form factor, they can vary greatly in quality, features, size, and price, among other things. The best home gyms tend to include a treadmill, so here are a few considerations to turn over in your head if you’re interested in buying one. 

Walking vs. Running

One of the first things worth considering is whether you’ll be using your treadmill to run, walk, or a combination of both. Are you interested in training for a marathon or just trying to get more steps throughout your work day? 

“Treadmills for walking can be smaller and less expensive than treadmills designed for running or sprinting. They tend to be simpler in nature,” says certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto. “A walking treadmill can also make it easier for you to get your steps in or increase your daily step count at home.” Increasing your daily steps is a great way to stay active, with studies showing that regular walks can improve cardiovascular health, sleep, and mental well-being. (2) 

If you’re set on finding a treadmill to help your running goals, set your sights on a treadmill that provides you with at least a 55-inch running surface and a high HP motor (or better yet, a CHP, DC, or AC motor). Capritto noted, “Though pricey, a running-specific machine may be just what a soon-to-be runner needs in order to get going and stay consistent.”

Price

The price and warranty of a treadmill is usually a good indicator of its quality. Higher prices tend to reflect more lasting builds (steel, powder-coated parts), while 15-year-to-lifetime warranties speak to a brand’s confidence in the product. There are many great budget-friendly treadmills out there (you’ll find a few on this list), but they won’t be able to withstand the type of intense use that models in the $1,500+ price range would.

Broadly, treadmills can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars up to $4,000. You’ll also want to keep in mind that a lot of high-end models come with a programming subscription, with prices typically ranging from around $20 to $44.

Available Space

The average footprint for a treadmill is around 70 to 80-inches long by 30 to 35-inches wide. However, our list has kept all types of users in mind, providing options with footprints as small as 50 to 60-inches long by 21 to 30 inches wide. That being said, many of these fitness machines can be folded up, reducing their footprint while not in use. 

[Related: The Best Compact Treadmills of 2024]

They say, measure twice, cut once. The same goes for making sure you’ve got adequate space in your home before you make your purchase. And if you’re in need of a piece of equipment that can move around easily, look for products that can fold up and roll away.

Final Word

As a beginner, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you find the right fit for your home workout needs. First and foremost, think about your fitness goals and how you plan to use your treadmill. If you’re looking to walk or maybe do some light jogging, a lower-priced model with a lower horsepower motor and a shorter running deck might be the perfect machine for you. However, if you’re looking to get into a running routine, you’ll want a more robust motor — something with continuous horsepower or an AC or DC motor — plus an adequate running surface of 55 to 60 inches for your stride. 

Your home gym is your sanctuary, so pick out the equipment that’s right for you. Make a list of the features that you’d love in your home treadmill, then consider your available space and how much your budget is. When you have those factors dialed in, peruse our picks and see which treadmill checks all the boxes to help support you in your new training routine.

FAQs

References

1. Mersy D. J. (1991). Health benefits of aerobic exercise. Postgraduate medicine, 90(1), 103–112. https://doi.org/10.1080/00325481.1991.11700983
2. Ungvari, Z., Fazekas-Pongor, V., Csiszar, A., & Kunutsor, S. K. (2023). The multifaceted benefits of walking for healthy aging: from Blue Zones to molecular mechanisms. GeroScience, 45(6), 3211–3239. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-023-00873-8
3. Hatchett, A., Armstrong, K., Parr, B., Crews, M., & Tant, C. (2018). The Effect of a Curved Non-Motorized Treadmill on Running Gait Length, Imbalance and Stride Angle. Sports (Basel, Switzerland), 6(3), 58. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports6030058
4. Franks, K. A., Brown, L. E., Coburn, J. W., Kersey, R. D., & Bottaro, M. (2012). Effects of Motorized vs Non-Motorized Treadmill Training on Hamstring/Quadriceps Strength Ratios. Journal of sports science & medicine, 11(1), 71–76.

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